Bumgarner allows 1st-inning HR in Giants’ 4-3 win over Reds

0

Gary Schatz

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Madison Bumgarner allowed a first-inning home run to Eugenio Suarez in the San Francisco Giants’ 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

That was the only hit in two innings against Bumgarner, who struck out the side in the second and retired his last four batters.

“I actually shook off Brownie,” Bumgarner said, referring to catcher Trevor Brown. “I wanted the pitch up a little more, but it was a pretty dang good pitch, really.”

Suarez has four extra-base hits in his three games. He is moving from shortstop to replace Todd Frazier, who was traded to the Chicago White Sox.

“Suarez isn’t missing the mistakes. I’ll tell you that,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “The ball’s coming off his bat nicely. We’re seeing power to right-center and power to left field. He’s made some real nice plays at third base.”

Jarrett Parker hit a two-run single off Amir Garrett in the sixth. Parker, a second-round pick in the 2010 amateur draft, had two hits. He is getting extra playing time because of Hunter Pence’s sore Achilles tendon.

Ehire Adrianza singled in a run in a three-run sixth off Garrett, who gave up basketball at St. John’s to play baseball full time.

STARTING TIMES

Giants: Even with his success, Bumgarner wants to see improvement.

“When you’re younger, you’re competing for a spot on the roster, so you make sure you’re ready in time for spring training,” Bumgarner said. “It isn’t that I take it for granted, but it is nice to use spring training to get ready for the season. It allows me to work on getting better. You can always get better.”

Reds: Michael Lorenzen struck out two batters in two hitless innings.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Giants: Pence is expected to play in games during the second week in March.

“Hunter is less than a week away, now. He’s getting on the field and throwing and taking batting practice,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

The Giants are holding Johnny Cueto out of games at the start of the exhibition season, given he pitched through October in the World Series for Kansas City.

“We wanted him to take the rest of the winter off with all that he threw last year,” Bochy said. “I may be old school, but I think veteran pitchers will find a way to get ready in five starts.”

Reds: Billy Hamilton (shoulder) was scratched as a designated hitter. Eric Jagielo, obtained from the New York Yankees in the Aroldis Chapman trade, is coming off knee surgery and could play Sunday. … Zack Cozart (knee) is expected to be ready to play in games around March 8 or 9.

UP NEXT

Giants: The Giants have a pair of split-squad games on Saturday. LHP Ricky Romero starts at home against the Texas Rangers. RHP Chris Stratton is to pitch against the Cleveland Indians on the road.

Reds: LHP Brandon Finnegan will make his first start and second appearance when the Reds play the Chicago Cubs in Mesa.

Gary Schatz

Associated Press

No posts to display